A proxy server can be used  to disguise your IP address. The proxy server essentially masks your actual IP address, making it harder to track. Keep in mind that in some states or countries, using a proxy server without permission from the owner may be illegal. We will give you some information about the different types of proxy servers, as well as how to use a proxy server on different web browsers.

Types of Proxy Servers

Transparent Proxy Server: A transparent proxy server will give you a different IP address than your own, but your original IP address will be available. Transparent proxy servers can be used to get around IP bans, but not for anonymity.

Anonymous Proxy Server: An anonymous proxy server will be identified as a proxy server, but your original IP address will not be available. You can use an anonymous proxy server to be anonymous, but not if you do not want it known that you are trying to be anonymous.

Distorting Proxy Server: A distorting proxy server will appear to be a transparent proxy server, but an IP address different from your own will be available.

High Anonymity Proxy Server: A high anonymity proxy server will not appear to be a proxy server and your original IP address will not be available. This type will allow you to use a proxy server without making your real IP address available for others.

How To Use A Proxy Server On Firefox

1. Go to the Tools Menu at the top of the page.

2. Click Options.

3. Click on the Advanced button.

4. Go to the Network tab.

5. Click Settings under Connection.

6. Select either “Auto-Detect Proxy setting for this network” or “Manual Proxy Configuration”.

7. If you select “Manual Proxy Configuration,” type in the IP address for the HTTP proxy server you are using

8. Type in the port of the HTTP proxy server.

9. Press Okay

How To Use A Proxy Server On Internet Explorer

1. Go to the Tools menu at the top of the page.

2. Click on Internet Options.

3. Go to the Connections tab.

4. Select LAN Settings.

5. Check the box that says “Use a proxy server for you LAN”.

6. Next to Address, enter the proxy server’s IP address.

7. Next to Port, enter 8080 (or another number if your proxy server specifies it).

8. Press Okay in LAN settings.

9. Press Okay in Internet Options.

How To Use A Proxy Server On Safari

1. Go to the Preferences menu at the top of the page.

2. Click on Advanced.

3. Click on Proxies: Change Settings.

4. Click the Web Proxy (HTTP) box in order to check it.

5. Type in the IP address of your proxy server.

6. Type in the port of your proxy server.

7. Press Apply Now.

Further Assistance

If you still need help using a proxy server, you can contact a computer technician to help you set up your proxy server. You can use TalkLocal to receive up to three calls from high-quality computer technicians who will be able to help you when you need them.

System restore is one of best features added to the Windows operating systems.  This feature allows the computer to go to a previous “Restore Point” to undo any changes to a computer that cannot be done by a simple delete. System Restore is used when a computer has problems from any changes, such as newly-installed software or drivers. System restore is also the first defense against a malware attack. We have six easy steps on how to create system restore point.

How To Create System Restore Point

1. Open the Start menu.

2. Right Click on “Computer,” or “My Computer” on older operating systems.

3. Select “Properties.”

4. Click “System Protection” under the “Control Panel Home.”

5. Click “Create” to create a restore point.

6. Name your restore point. Under these settings, your computer will be restored to the exact point at which you create the restore point. You will be able to see the date and time that the restore point was created, so you can have a better idea of what programs will be on your computer when you decide to use System Restore.

Note: You can set multiple restore points so that you can choose to restore your system to its more recent settings.

How To Use System Restore

1. Open the Start menu.

2. Click on “All Programs.”

3. Find and select the “Accessories” folder.

4. Under “Accessories”, click on the “System tools” folder.

5. Click on “System Restore.”

6. Select “Choose a different restore point.”

7. From the list select the desired restore point.

Find A Computer Technician

If the restore point is not working correctly even with Safe Mode, a computer professional is recommended. To find local computer repair, just use Talk Local. Talk Local will connect you with up to three computer technicians in just minutes, for free!

Burning CD’s is not a difficult process but most of the time there is a fee or cost involved in it.  Finding the right software to burn CD’s for free is one step in the process to avoiding these charges.  Each individual free CD burning software has it’s own procedure in how to burn CD’s for free.

How To Burn CD’s For Free

The two most popular software programs that enable free CD burning are ImgBurn and BurnAware.  These two each have individual features and different processes when it comes to how to burn the CD.

ImgBurn

– ImgBurn supports burning for a wide variety of media types.  From CD’s to Blue-Rays this product has more than 10 image formats.

– ImgBurn can also author re-writable discs, enable access to drives for restricted users, and allows endless tweaking of all aspects of the burning process.

– In order to burn a CD you can follow a specific route.  Once you pop in the CD you can read a disc to an image file.  The next step is to build. You will need to create the image file from what you need on your computer.  Click on the write option to burn the CD.  Once the disc pops out of the computer you should verify that it is 100% readable.  If you put the drive into the discovery mode to check the quality you can ensure that your CD was burned in the best possible way.

BurnAware

– With BurnAware you can also burn a lot of different types of medias.  You can burn CD’s, DVD’s, and Blue-Rays.  Audio and MP3’s are also options.

– This software also offers on the fly writing, verification, and multi-session burning.

– Once you open up the software a launch window lets you choose your burn options. The popup will lead you through the process to complete the burn.

– There are both free and paid options for this specific software.  The free version offers many options so you may not need to pay for it.

Learn From A Professional

If you have more questions about the best, free CD-burning software programs, you could try speaking with a professional. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three professionals in your area in just minutes. The connection is fast, and free!

Macs are notoriously safe, so getting viruses is not a common problem.  Macs have a high tolerance and good security against viruses, cookies, Trojans, etc.  But even if you do get a virus there is no need to panic.  The Internet poses various threats to a computer but there is a way to get rid of and prevent future risks.  The following is a brief summary of the best antivirus software for mac computers.

The antivirus software you choose for your Mac really depends on what you’re looking for. For instance, Norton provides broad-spectrum security at a low price, but it is only available for Lion operating systems. McAfee is available to all of the major Mac operating systems, but it is also the most expensive software.

Get Professional Advice

If you have more questions about the best antivirus software for Mac, you could consult a computer technician. A professional would have a deeper knowledge of the various antivirus software available for Macs, and could better help you decide which is best for you. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three computer technicians in your area in just minutes, for free!

One of the major drawbacks for a hot new piece of technology is that users cannot install Microsoft Word on Chromebook. Chromebook uses ChromeOS for an operating system. ChromeOS is Linux-based — Chromebook does not use Windows. And, since both Word and Windows are Microsoft products, it is not a surprise that Word only runs on Windows.

Just because users can’t install Microsoft Word on Chromebook, does not mean that they are locked out forever from utilizing Word documents. There are a number of ways Chromebook users can go about handling Word documents, even without having the actual program. The same goes for files generated in Excel and PowerPoint. These are important file types, and having access to them is essentially a must.

Download Microsoft Office Web App

One of the most attractive options available to Chromebook users is downloading the Microsoft Office web app. This Chrome app was generated by Microsoft themselves and gives Chromebook users the chance to go online and use Microsoft Office programs directly, including Microsoft Word.

This even includes SkyDrive, a Cloud storage system developed by Microsoft. While Chromebook users can’t install Word on Chromebook, they can still use Word, making this app a must-have.

Google Docs

You might be familiar with Google Docs, a service that is currently offered by Google for free. Chromebook users can use Google Docs to open and edit all of the popular file types of Microsoft Office. This includes Microsoft Word documents. This is a solid solution, because Chromebook and Google Docs are both developed by Google, so they integrate with each other seamlessly.

InstallFree Nexus

Similar to the Microsoft Office app, this app allows Chromebook users to utilize all of the Microsoft programs. InstallFree Nexus serves up the programs to the user and makes them feel like they’re working on Windows.

Consult The Experts 

Anytime you have questions or issues with your Chromebook, there are experts who can help — you just need to find them. TalkLocal does that for you and in a hurry. We connect you to the professionals in your area, for free!

You have probably seen it while out in public — someone toting around an iPhone with a screen that is cracked. Complete with an endless catalog of useful apps, iPhones are arguably the Cadillac of all smartphones, but one slip-up could make this pricey item heavily damaged and hard to use. Cracked screens are actually a very common occurrence among iPhone users, leaving many to wonder how to fix a cracked iPhone screen.

Here are a number of ways to address the problem:

1. Bring it to the Apple store and have the pros fix it

It seems logical to bring your iPhone to the Apple store, right? After all, if anyone knows how to fix a cracked iPhone screen, it would be them. This is true, but it will come at a steep cost. Apple currently charges around $200 to fix cracked iPhone screens. This is the most expensive avenue of repairing a cracked iPhone screen, but you do walk away with the peace of mind knowing that it was fixed correctly.

2. Take it to a third party repair professional

Other professionals are perfectly capable of repairing a cracked screen, and they generally do it for a cheaper price. Seek out area businesses that have the equipment to address such an issue, but just make sure it is a reputable establishment that can be trusted with your investment. You won’t save a whole lot of money on your bill. These types of professionals still charge north of $100.

3. Do it yourself with a kit

There is always an alternative route for the do-it-yourself-ers that want to save as much money as possible. Their answer to this inconvenient problem would be to order a kit online that supplies all the tools and accessories needed to replace the iPhone screen.

These kits come with instructions on how to fix a cracked iPhone screen and generally cost less than $20. A cracked iPhone screen is not as damaging to the phone as one might think. The iPhone’s screen is comprised of several layers, and the cracks usually form in the top, glass layer. Replacing it yourself could turn out to be quite simple and won’t risk causing more damage to the phone.

Get Help Now

If you are not confident taking on this project yourself, find someone in your area that can. TalkLocal is perfect for such a search. Let us know what kind of professional you’re looking for, and we’ll get you on the phone with them immediately.

Are you worried about the well-being of the hinge on your Sony Vaio laptop? Is your Sony Vaio laptop hinge broken? The small compact parts that make laptops easy to transport are the same factors that make them vulnerable to problems, such as the screen hinge.  Everything can be working perfectly with your computer internally, but if your hinge breaks, you may not be able to use your Sony Vaio at all, so it is important for you to be careful with your computer as you transport it.  It is also important to pay attention to the warning signs that can help you catch hinge deterioration before it becomes a more serious problem.

Is Your Sony Vaio Laptop Hinge Broken?

Here are some of the red flags that might help you catch potential issues with your laptop’s hinge before they become too serious:

·      Your Vaio screen seems like it is struggling to support its own weight.

·      Your Vaio laptop doesn’t shut properly.

·      Your Vaio screen makes a squeaking or grinding sound when you open or shut it.

·      It has become difficult for your to open or shut your Vaio laptop.

All of these red flags indicate that your Sony Vaio’s hinge may be breaking or broken.  Check Sony’s Warranty Information Page to see if you are covered, and in the meantime, be very careful when you open and close your Sony Vaio Laptop.

Need Help With Your Sony Vaio?

If your hinge is not covered under Sony’s warranty or if you need urgent help repairing your Sony Vaio laptop hinge, TalkLocal can help connect you to high-quality computer repair professionals in real time. We’ll have you speaking with up to three professionals in your area in just minutes.

If you bought a Chromebook, you might not be happy with the operating system. Windows 8, the newest Windows Operating System, is quite different from the Chrome Operating System. The Chrome OS is heavily reliant on the Internet and works mostly through a cloud system, whereas storage through Windows 8 is probably more familiar to you.

Windows 8 has reportedly improved all of the installation problems and other bugs stemming from Windows 7. If you are feeling like you may prefer Windows 8, you might want to install Windows on Chromebook.

Although it is possible, it is not easy to install Windows on Chromebook. You will need to follow some very specific steps.

1. Hack your BIOS settings. This is incredibly difficult to complete. You have to open your Chromebook, meaning you have to remove the 12 screws in the bottom and  wrap some electrical tape around the BIOS to stop the protection activity, thus allowing you to hack into your BIOS settings.  After you have done that, you can remove boot loader settings. To do this, hit F4 and change the sequence.

2. Flash new BIOS. This also needs to be done carefully to avoid damaging the Chromebook.

3. After hacking the BIOS settings and flashing new BIOS settings, you can install Windows 8. You will need to have the Windows 8 Operating System stored on a flash drive. You would not be able to use an external CD-Rom drive since Chromebooks do not come equipped with a CD drive. After this, all you need to do is follow the installation instructions.

Although this is only a three-step process, it is still a very intricate process. Windows 8 was not intended to be used on Chromebooks, which is why you have to hack your own BIOS settings very carefully.

Find Someone Who Knows What They’re Doing

It is possible to use Windows 8, but you may prefer professional help to insure your Chromebook’s safety. If so, let a trained professional help you. TalkLocal can connect you with the professionals in your area who know how to get your computer up and running in no time.

VMware is one of the leading technology companies. VMware has made a way to run Windows on Macs, which is extraordinary feat. VMware can have initial problems with effects on the host computer’s speed. The host computer can slow down tremendously to a halt, almost making it impossible to do anything.  Don’t worry.  We have some solutions to VMware slowing down computer, so your device can work perfectly.

Problem

VMware installs many drivers to the computer system so that they can function correctly. This puts major pressures on the host computer which can affect the computer speed. The most common problem occurs with the allocated RAM or memory of the VMware. If the VMware does not have enough to function correctly, the VMware borrows memory from the computer. This will slow down the host computer substantially. Another problem is that unnecessary programs on the host computer are being running on the VMware.  These programs make your computer work harder and affect the computer’s speed.

Solutions to VMware Slowing Down Computer

Add more RAM:

For VMware to work correctly, it needs at least 2GB of RAM. Anything lower will cause problems with the host computer speed. After increasing the RAM memory, a user needs to manually increase VMware’s memory. To do this:

1.       Enter VMware from the VMware application window.

2.       Go to Edit VMware Settings.

3.       Go to the Hardware tab.

4.       Go to Memory, under the Device column.

5.       Increase the amount of memory as required.

6.       Click OK.

Stop certain programs from running on VMware:

Certain programs can be stopped from running on VMware, so the host computer speed is not negatively affected. Programs such as system restore and antivirus programs can cause these problems with VMware.  Stop such programs from running on VMware using the OS instructions.

Upgrade your computer’s hardware:

The CPU and hard drive can be stressed by the addition of the VMware application. In upgrading the CPU and hard drive, the computer would have a better chance in absorbing the stress and not affecting the host computer speed negatively.

Talk to A Professional

With these solutions, hopefully, VMware can work correctly with no effect on the host computer’s speed. If these solutions don’t work, find a computer repair professional. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three, high-quality professionals in your area for free!

BSOD, or the Blue Screen of Death, occurs when a Windows OS encounters a critical error. There can be many causes for this which usually disappear when the computer is rebooted, but one of the causes for a BSOD which cannot be resolved by a simple reboot is the “Bad Pool Header”.

BSOD: Bad Pool Header

When you encounter a “Bad Pool Header” BSOD, it usually means that there is some sort of a problem with the registries. A registry is a set of instructions which are used for communication between the programs and applications running on the computer. When these registries are corrupted or lost, it causes a fatal BSOD error. The registry on any device is like its brain. It sends every part of the device instructions about what to do and when to do it. Each program or application running on this device has the potential and permission to add, delete, or overwrite this information. So, it is clear how a small corruption in the registry can trigger off a chain of events which ultimately lead to a BSOD.

Fix A BSOD: Bad Pool Header Error

To treat Bad Pool Header BSOD  errors, what is needed essentially is an effective and trustworthy registry cleaner, such as WinZip. It not only will correct any corrupted files but will also ascertain that no other files will be corrupted in the future. The cherry on top is that, at the end of this process, all the pointless information, error logs, and other unwanted files stored in the registry will be gone and the computer feels brand new again.

Get Professional Help

If you would like some professional advice on your computer’s BSOD, or even on finding a trustworthy registry cleaner, come to TalkLocal. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with up to three reputable computer technicians in your area, who will be available to help you when you need them.